Beware A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

Beware a wolf in sheep's clothing. That warning came to mind when we heard the chemical industry has had an apparent change of heart on the need to reform the outdated Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).

Up until last year, the chemical industry maintained reform wasn't necessary. But, confronted with upcoming Congressional action and public demands for better protection from harmful chemicals, they have changed their tune and now support a "comprehensive yet balanced reform of our nation's chemical laws".

Sound too good to be true? Maybe. After all, this is the same industry that keeps fighting against tighter limits on harmful chemicals like lead, bisphenol A, toxic flame retardants, and phthalates, at the state and federal levels. It's also the same industry that has created a front group purporting to be a coalition made up of "people like you" even though their members include the chemical industry trade group the American Chemistry Council. This front group even duped a well-meaning non-profit group into joining.

Tricks aside, what does the chemical industry mean by reform? As you might guess, their vision is a lot different than what public health advocates have in mind.

Our friends at Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families (Washington Toxics Coalition is a member) have uncovered the differences between meaningful reform supported by health advocates and what the chemical industry wants.  Here's a quick summary from their website:

As you can see, the chemical industry hasn't fully come around to our way of thinking yet. But, at least they're willing to engage. We hope they're serious as the debate over TSCA moves forward. For now, we'll remain on guard until real TSCA reform has passed.

Photo of wolf in sheep's clothing courtesy Flickr user Frizztext.